Shrimp and grits are a great Southern favorite and for good reason! How to prepare the tastiest, creamy grits the South has to offer, and how to season plump, soft shrimp to perfection are covered.
There are hundreds of variations on the classic dish of shrimp and grits from the South. I’ve posted my favorite family Southern shrimp and grits recipe below, which you may adjust to your own preferences. In our family, we eat this meal for breakfast as well as supper, and it is always a special treat.
This dish is no longer limited to breakfast; people now eat shrimp and grits at all hours of the day and in a wide variety of ways. It’s time for everyone to come in and settle down to figure out how to prepare shrimp and grits.
THE INGREDIENTS LIST:
- 4 bacon slices.
- Medium shrimp, one pound peeled and deveined.
- 2 Tbsp.Of bacon drippings.
- 1 Tbsp.Of soft butter.
- 1/2 a large green onion, chopped.
- A medium green pepper, chopped.
- 1/2 Cup.Of chopped celery.
- 1 Tsp.Of minced garlic.
- 1 Tsp.Of Cajun seasoning.
- 1/4 Tsp.Of black pepper.
- A Pinch.Of cayenne pepper, or hot sauce.
The Grits ingredients:
- 2 1/3 Cups.Of whole milk.
- 2 Tbsp.Of butter.
- 1/4 Tsp.Of salt.
- 1/2 Cup.Of old-fashioned grits.
- 1 Cup.Of shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
INSTRUCTIONS:
Step 1 – In the beginning, the bacon should be cooked then removed from the skillet.
Step 2 – In a large pan, combine two tablespoons of bacon drippings, one tablespoon butter, green onion, green pepper, celery, garlic, Cajun spice, and black pepper, and simmer until veggies are soft, about 10 minutes or so. It will take around 8 to 10 minutes.
Step 3 – Cook for approximately four more minutes, or until the shrimp is done, adding spicy sauce or cayenne pepper as needed. Set aside while you make the grits.
Step 4 – In a saucepan, combine the milk, butter, and salt and bring to a boil. Using a whisk and continually whisking, add the grits a little at a time until well incorporated. This prevents the grits from forming clumps.
Step 5 – Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for five to six minutes, or until the grits have thickened.
Step 6 – Remove the pan from the heat and slowly whisk in the cheddar cheese. Continue to stir until the cheese is melted. (If the grits get too thick, you may simply thin them with a little water.)
Step 7 – In a large mixing dish, combine several spoonfuls of grits with a thin coating of the shrimp mixture on top.
Step 8 – Sprinkle the shrimp with chopped green onions, then top with a sprinkling of bacon. Serve it and enjoy!!!
